OKEHAMPTON Castle’s annual Bluebell Sunday celebrations will take place this weekend with visitors invited to mark the 100th anniversary of the castle being gifted to the Okehampton Castle Trust by local benefactor Sydney Simmons.

On Sunday, May 14 from 10am until 5pm visitors will be able to enjoy free entry to the historic site, special performances by the Melodissimo choir from Brittany and the West Devon Choir, dancing from Tinners Morris, and displays and activities from a range of local organisations throughout the day. 

The event marks the changing of the seasons and the coming of the bluebells throughout the castle’s woodlands, and has been a highlight of the Okehampton calendar since 1917 when local benefactor Sydney Simmons gifted the castle to the Okehampton Castle Trust for the inhabitants and visitors of the town to enjoy in future years. It is now controlled by English Heritage.

Highlights of this year’s Bluebell Sunday include local folk music organisation Wren Music performing with the West Devon Choir, Breton choir Melodissimo and the Rough Music Folk Orchestra, as well as dancing from Tinners Morris, activities and guided walks with representatives from Butterfly Conservation and Dormouse Conservation and an introduction to fencing with OCRA Sports.

The Museum of Dartmoor Life will be displaying items relating to the castle as well as a handling collection and other activities will include spinning and weaving demonstrations, craft activities such as creating your own heraldry with a personal shield design, have-a-go kid’s archery, and fun and games.

Castle site manager Lucia Yonge said: ‘Bluebell Sunday is an important Okehampton tradition, and this year’s is set to be more fun than ever as we mark the centenary of the castle being given into trust by Sydney Simmons.

‘We’re excited to be welcoming Melodissimo all the way from Brittany for a special performance alongside local favourites the West Devon Choir and other local organisations.

‘It looks set to be our best Bluebell Sunday yet.’

Alongside the packed programme of activities, the star of the show will of course be the bluebells themselves.

Okehampton Castle is surrounded by beautiful woodland and countryside, making it a great place for walks throughout the year.

Now a picturesque ruin, Okehampton Castle was once the largest castle in Devon.